“Check Engine”

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” -James 3:17

Our car has a problem. The “Check Engine” light is on. I don’t know what the problem is, but there is one. Based on my past experience with that particular light, it can be something minor – or it can mean there is a big (read expensive) problem.

The issue is, we won’t know what the problem, or needed remedy is, until the diagnostic test is run.

Our lives are often like that. We have a problem, but we just don’t know what it is. God’s Spirit is the “Check Engine” light for our soul. We know we have a problem. Reading and knowing His Word is the diagnostic process which brings understanding of what needs to be fixed.

Wisdom comes from the application of that knowledge. If I continue to run my car with that light on, what might have been a simple fix can become a major problem. We ignore God’s direction for our lives at our own peril.

When our life is running according to God’s plan, the result is the life described in the verse above.